ARLINGTON — The Eagles are set to play their first football game on the high school’s new artificial-turf field Friday, and they’re playing it in honor of a student, athlete and friend who died in the Oso mudslide.
Jovon “JoJo” Mangual, 13, was one of 43 people killed in the March 22 disaster.
Before Friday’s game, players and fans plan to observe a moment of silence for the victims and honor first responders during a fly-over by a rescue helicopter, said Andrea Conley, a spokeswoman for the school district. The home team also has a jersey to present to Mangual’s family.
Visiting team Eastside Catholic has been raising money to donate to Arlington athletic programs in honor of the mudslide victims. They’ve collected several thousand dollars so far selling “Oso Strong” T-shirts, and that amount will be matched by the Eastside Catholic Boosters Club, said school spokeswoman Karen Hatch.
The NFL and ESPN also have gifts to present at the game.
The Arlington School District received $200,000 from the NFL Foundation Grassroots Program and $25,000 from ESPN for upgrades to John C. Larson Stadium. The NFL grant is to help cover the cost of putting in artificial turf, while the ESPN money is meant for other work at the stadium. The school board hasn’t decided which projects to tackle, but possibilities include refurbishing the bleachers, concession stands, lighting, a scoreboard or fencing.
The Seattle Seahawks announced the awards Wednesday afternoon and are to present a check during halftime Friday, accompanied by the Sea Gals and the Blue Thunder drumline.
Arlington’s artificial turf went in over the summer, replacing a grass field that was notorious for getting too soggy and muddy to play on, Conley said.
“It’s been hard,” she said. “We’ve had to cancel some of the games in the past and we couldn’t let other clubs or groups play there.”
The Arlington School Board voted in February to redo the field. The $1 million project was budgeted under the district’s capital costs, so the grants free up money for other work. The money is being redirected toward roof repairs and gutter replacement at several Arlington schools, Conley said.
The $200,000 grant is part of $2.5 million given out this year around the country by the NFL Foundation Grassroots Program. The program provides money to repair football fields and keep athletics safe and accessible, according to the NFL.
“It’s not just for the high school,” Conley said. “This is something for the entire community.”
Kari Bray: 425-339-3439, kbray@heraldnet.com.
Game Friday night
Arlington High School plays Eastside Catholic School Friday at 7 p.m. The game is dedicated to Jovon “JoJo” Mangual, a student and athlete who died in the Oso mudslide.
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